media-releases

Ice Help Line To Support Families And Treatment For Users

The Andrews Labor Government has established a new Ice Help Line as part of a $45.5 million Ice Action Plan to support families and ice users, Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley announced today.

The Help Line – 1800 ICE ADVICE (1800 423 238) – will direct users and families to the treatment and support services they need, and provide general information to the community about ice and its effects.

The service will be free to call from landlines, and also provide important clinical advice to health professionals working with ice users.

Turning Point will operate this 24/7 Help Line, drawing upon its extensive experience in providing phone-based support.

The 1800 ICE ADVICE phone service is now taking calls, coinciding with the launch of the new www.ice.vic.gov.au website.

The website provides updates on the Labor Government’s efforts to stop ice on the streets and at the source, and information on treatment services and how the community can get involved in tackling the drug.

Tenders are also now open with the Department of Health and Human Services for the development and delivery of the Government’s new Family Drug Education Program.

The program will provide support for at least 1000 Victorians per year as part of $4.7 million allocated to support families affected by a loved one’s drug use. It will help families to recognise when someone has a drug problem and what to do.

The Andrews Labor Government’s Ice Action Plan includes:

$4.7 million in extra support for families and communities to address ice use, including a new, dedicated Ice Help Line

$18 million to expand innovative drug treatment services, focusing on rehabilitation for users in rural and regional areas

$1.8 million to expand Needle and Syringe Programs to make harm reduction more effective